Son of a Byzantine armyofficer who died in battle. After his mother‘s death sometime later, he and his brother Basil became monks at the monastery on Mount Olympus, Greece. Paul later left to become a hermit on Mount Latros, Bithynia, Asia Minor. His reputation for holiness spread, and he began to attract followers and students, so many that he organized them into a community on Latros. After twelve years as their leader, Paul left to live as a hermit in a cave on the island of Samos. His reputation, however, followed him, and the cycle repeated – more students gathered, and more communities were formed. Late in life Paul returned to Latros where he spent in remaining years in prayer and solitude.